EP2228172B1 - Chain protector for motorised chain saws - Google Patents

Abstract

The chain protection (10) has a narrow housing (9) with two parallel side panels (17). An upper wall section (14) and a lower wall section (16) are connected in the housing. The housing has a device provided for the attachment of the chain protection at a carrier device.

Description

The invention relates to a chain guard for motor chain saws and supporting device for this specified in the preamble of claim 1 genus.

In various work areas where chain saws are used, it is necessary to protect operators from being injured by the saw chain while the saw is not in use. To cover saw chains during standstill of the machine is already out of the US 3,344,818 a chain guard known. In particular, when handling TopHandle saws that are used while moving in treetops or rope climbing, it is important that the operator does not come into contact with the sharp cutting members of the saw chain and injured.

The present invention is based on the object to provide a chain guard for motor chain saws, which is easier to handle for the operator and designed so that the chain guard is in the removed from the motor chain saw state captive fastened.

This object is achieved by a chain guard and support device for this with the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 11.

As a carrying device, for example, a garment of the operator of the motor chain saw, a carrying strap or a harness of the operator, a rope or a carabiner come into consideration.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one hook. It is expedient that a projection is formed on the hook, so that a rope inserted into the hook or a carabiner can not be released from the hook. An alternative embodiment of the device is that it comprises at least one eye or closed bracket.

The housing of the chain guard is preferably made of a plastic material. Furthermore, it is expedient that the device consists of the same plastic material and is designed in one piece with the housing. As a result, the production of the chain guard is simplified. Preferably, the chain guard is a blow molded part, in which the different desired contours can be generated in a simple manner.

According to a further embodiment of the invention inwardly directed bulges are provided in front of the rear end of the housing on the side walls, which form a clamping portion. As a result, the clamp protection is already held on the Sägeschwert when it is pushed a little way, which further contributes to the safe handling of the chain guard.

In addition, it is advantageous that diverging walls are arranged on the side walls at the rear end of the housing, which form a funnel-shaped opening. In this way, when the chain guard is fully pushed onto the saw blade, the claw stop on the chain saw is also covered by the chain guard, and the funnel-shaped design of the opening allows easy and safe mounting.

In a further embodiment, it is expedient that the side walls comprise at least two sections, which are arranged in different planes and between which a shoulder is present and through the sections of the distance between the side walls is different, wherein the distance at the outer periphery of the chain guard is greater as in the middle. This ensures that there is sufficient space in the area of the saw chain and the cutting members, whereas in the area of the sword, the waisted portion ensures that the pivoting movement is limited out of the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, such a design avoids unnecessary wear of the chain guard. In order to secure the chain guard against unintentional displacement in the assembled state of the chain guard on the saw blade, a projection or hook is preferably provided for positive engagement with a sprocket cover of the motor chain saw.

In addition to the already mentioned embodiments of the device in the form of hooks, eyes or straps, the device may also be formed by a loop or a Velcro strip. Of course it is also possible a combination of the different Provide measures, that is in addition to hooks or eyes also a Velcro.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one unlockable pawl is preferably provided on the housing, which can engage between cutting teeth of the saw chain. According to a further embodiment of the chain guard, the housing comprises at least two telescopically displaceable housing parts. It is expediently provided on the housing part which is slidable in the other housing part, the mechanism with pawls.

Fig. 1

eine Motorkettensäge mit einem Kettenschutz,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Kettenschutzes,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des Kettenschutzes,

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeils IV in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeils V in Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie VI-VI in Fig. 3,

Fig. 7

eine Ausführungsvariante des Kettenschutzes,

Fig. 8

einen teleskopartig verstellbaren Kettenschutz,

Fig. 9

einen als Bekleidungsstück einer Bedienungsperson dienender Arbeitsanzug mit an diesem angehängten Ket- tenschutz,

Fig. 10

einen an einem Seil hängenden Kettenschutz,

Fig. 11

einen an einem Karabiner eingehängten Kettenschutz.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a chainsaw with a chain guard,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the chain guard,

Fig. 3

a side view of the chain guard,

Fig. 4

a view in the direction of the arrow IV in Fig. 3 .

Fig. 5

a view in the direction of arrow V in Fig. 3 .

Fig. 6

a section along the line VI-VI in Fig. 3 .

Fig. 7

a variant of the chain guard,

Fig. 8

a telescopically adjustable chain guard,

Fig. 9

a work suit serving as the garment of an operator with chain protection attached thereto,

Fig. 10

a chain guard hanging from a rope,

Fig. 11

a chain guard suspended from a carabiner.

The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor chain saw 1 with a housing 2, in which the drive motor is arranged. The housing 2 is provided with handles 3 and 4 for guiding the motor chain saw 1. The motor chain saw 1 has a Sägeschwert 5 over which a saw chain 6 runs. If the motor chain saw 1 is not in operation, the saw blade 5 or the saw chain 6 can be covered by means of a chain guard 7 in order to avoid injury to the operator. On the housing 2, a sprocket cover 8 is arranged laterally, which covers the drive pinion and the area of the saw chain running over it. On the sprocket cover 8, a corresponding opening 29 or a recess is provided into which a later explained in more detail projection or hook of a chain guard can intervene.

Fig. 2 shows a chain guard 10 in the form of a narrow housing 9 in a perspective view. The chain guard 10 has at a rear end 11 of the longitudinal extension of the housing 9 diverging walls 22, 22 *, through which a funnel-shaped opening 12 is formed, which facilitates the insertion of Sägeschwertes and arranged on the housing Claw stop with covering. At a front end 13 of its longitudinal extension of the chain guard 10 is closed and from this front end 13 to the funnel-shaped opening 12 extending parallel side walls 17 which are arranged in a sufficient to accommodate the saw blade with the saw chain distance from each other and an upper wall portion 14, a front wall portion 15 and a lower wall portion 16 are interconnected.

How out Fig. 2 As can be seen, the side wall 17 includes sections 18, 18 'and 18 "in different planes, with sections 19 and 19' formed between sections 18, 18 'and 18. This design not only leads to the fact that the distance between the side walls 17 in the region of the saw chain is slightly larger than in the area lying between the Sägeschwertes, but gives the side walls 17 and thus the chain guard 10 has a greater mechanical stability. In addition, in such a shape of particular importance that the chain guard 10 allows only a small gap in the deferred state, thereby avoiding that any objects such as climbing ropes can catch there. The distance of the side walls 17 between the sections 18 is dimensioned such that in the deferred state of the chain guard 10, the saw chain is not applied laterally to the sections 18, and the sections 18 'have a contour that this with deferred chain guard 10 not in the saw chain lie and in this way unnecessary wear of the chain guard is avoided.

At the front end 13 of the chain guard 10, a hook 20 is formed on the wall portion 15, which extends in an arc and has a directed to the front wall portion 15 projection. At the top of the chain guard 10, a hook 23 is also formed, which extends from the top of the divergent walls 22, 22 * starting arcuately upwards, forwards and to the upper wall portion 14, wherein a directed to the latter projection 24 is formed. The hooks 20 and 23 serve to secure the detached chain guard 10 to a support, such as a garment of a chain saw operator, a cable, a carabiner or the like, the projection 21 and 24, respectively, for the safety of the attachment. The hooks 20, 23 have laterally large bevels to improve hooking in the closed area, z. B. when locking the chain guard on a carabiner.

In front of the diverging walls 22, an inwardly directed curvature 25 is provided at the rear end 11 in the portion 18 "of each side wall 17, resulting in a clamping portion frictionally engaging on both sides of the saw blade an integrally formed web 26 is stiffened on the wall 22 * a directed into the funnel-shaped opening 12 projection 27 is provided, which engages with fully pushed onto the saw blade chain guard 10 behind an edge on the sprocket cover and into the corresponding opening 29 in Fig. 1 intervene. The one described above and in Fig. 2 illustrated chain guard 10 is preferably made in one piece as blow molding.

The Fig. 3 shows a side view of the chain guard 10, that is, a view of the other side wall 17, which in Fig. 2 is located on the opposite side and to which the diverging wall 22 * connects. This side wall 17 is mirror-inverted in exactly the same way as the side wall on the other side, ie with equal sections 18, 18 ', 18 "and shoulders 19, 19.' Likewise, the bulges 25 and the web 26 are present the protrusion 21 to the front wall portion 15 and the protrusion 24 to the upper wall portion has a certain distance, whereby by elastic deformation of the hook 20 and 23, this distance can be increased to attach or release a fastener such as a rope or carabiner the reference numerals for like parts agree with those of Fig. 2 match.

In Fig. 4 is a view of the chain guard 10 in the direction of arrow IV in Fig. 3 shown. It follows that the side walls 17 extend parallel to each other and are connected to each other via the upper wall portion 14, wherein at the front end 13 of the hook 20 is formed. In the region of the rear end 11 is the hook 23 and there are on the side walls 17, the diverging walls 22, 22 * formed *, which form the funnel-shaped opening 12, wherein on the wall 22 * of the projection 27 can be seen. The contour of the opening 12 was chosen so as to ensure an optimal conclusion to the motor chain saw.

The Fig. 5 shows a view of the chain guard 10 in the direction of arrow V in Fig. 3 , From this it can be seen that the side walls 17 have the sections 18, 18 ', 18 "which are stepped inwards via shoulders 19, 19', thus resulting in a waisted section 28 which is already in the funnel-shaped opening 12 or on the diverging walls 22 , 22 * begins, so that after a relatively short insertion a pivoting movement is avoided from the longitudinal axis Fig. 5 the inwardly directed bulges 25 whose distance from each other is less than the thickness of the Sägeschwertes, so that in any case a frictional engagement between chain guard 10 and saw bar is given, so that the chain guard 10 does not slip from the saw blade, even if this is only partially postponed , Since the chain guard 10 is made as a blow molded part, also in Fig. 2 to 4 shown hooks 20, 23 hollow and therefore elastic to allow a temporary deformation for hanging on a loop on the garment of the operator, on a rope or carabiner.

Fig. 6 shows a section along the line VI-VI in Fig. 3 , At the rear end 11 on the left side is the funnel-shaped opening 12 formed by the diverging walls 22, 22 *, which merges into the waisted section 28, which is then adjoined by the area between the inwardly directed bulges 25. The side walls 17 extend parallel to the front end 13, on which the hook 20 is located with the projection 21. On the wall 22 * of the projection 27 is formed. In the illustrated embodiment, the funnel-shaped opening 12 between walls 22, 22 * with formed the same opening angle. Of course, unbalanced arrangements are possible, it should be noted that a good coverage of the claw is given. It may also be advantageous to make the chain guard on the side of the sprocket cover as flat as possible.

The Fig. 7 shows a variant of a chain guard 30, in which the device for fixing the chain guard as eyelet or closed bracket 31, 32 is formed. Also, such bracket can be made in one piece with a housing 33 and in particular be made in the blow molding process with this. The side walls 17 are designed as well as in Fig. 2 and 3 , this also applies to the opening 12. Moreover, the design is in line with the one in the Fig. 2 to 6 match. The housing 33 of the chain guard 30 or the housing 9 of the chain guard 10 can be made reinforced at the top and bottom wall portions at particularly stressed areas, for example, where cutting members of the saw chain come into contact with the material of the housing. The reinforcement may be a material thickening or be formed by inserts. The reinforced version of the chain guard can take place both radially and axially, it being possible to determine over which length this reinforcement should be arranged. The reinforcement is also conceivable by a 2-component blow process, wherein a wear-resistant material is provided inside.

In the above-described embodiments of the chain guard 10 and 30, it is possible to provide on the upper and lower wall portion of the housing 9, 33 one or more pawls, the can engage in spaces between the cutting teeth and by the operator, for example, by embracing the housing 9, 33 are unlocked in this area.

In Fig. 8 there is shown a chain guard 35 which comprises a housing 36 consisting of two telescopically slidable housing parts 36 ', 36 "The housing parts 36', 36" have side walls 37, 38, with a longitudinally extending bar on the side wall 38 39, which is moved with the housing part 36 "and, when inserted, is received in an elongated hood 40 of the side wall 37. On the inside of the hood 40, a projection 41 is formed, which engages in a recess 42 on the rod 39, when Of course, it is also possible to form such a chain guard from more than two housing parts.

Pawls 43 are provided on the housing part 36 "which are designed as two-armed levers pivotable about a pivot axis 44. Each lever has an internal arm 45 with means for engaging in the spaces between two cutting members of a saw chain and an external arm 46, protruding beyond the contour at the upper and lower wall portions 47 and 48. When telescoping the housing parts 36 ', 36 "of each upper arm and lower wall portions 47', 48 'of each outer arm to the housing part 36" pushed out, whereby the inner arms 45 are pivoted in the direction of the wall sections 47, 48 and the positive connection with the cutting members is canceled are the pawls 43 in a position that allows the removal of the chain guard 35 of the Sägeschwert.

Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to provide pawls at a different position relative to the length of the chain guard. Likewise, a backup of the telescopic chain guard 35 may be provided by a path-dependent clamping on the rail, the clamping is activated when pushing the chain guard 35. Serve this purpose, the rod 39 and the projection 41, the latter by pressure on the rod 39, the side wall 38 clamped against the Sägeschwert and relief takes place only when the projection 41 projects into the recess 42. Then the chain guard 35 can be removed.

On the side wall 37, the surface of the hood 40 is provided with a Velcro strip 49, which serves as a device for securing the chain guard 35, for example, on a garment of the operator. On the side wall 37 of the housing part 36 ', a hook 50 is arranged, which is adapted to engage in the in Fig. 1 shown opening 29 is provided on the sprocket cover of the motor chain saw.

In Fig. 9 is shown as a garment 51 serving for the operator of the chainsaw saw work suit, which consists of a jacket 55 and a pants 56. On the jacket 55 is a loop 54, in which the hook 20 of the chain guard 10 is mounted. In this way, the garment 51 serves as a support device for the chain guard 10th

Instead of the item of clothing 51 as a supporting device for the chain guard 10 may alternatively be provided by the user applied climbing harness 60 or a user-defined support belt 61. The climbing harness 60 or the carrying belt 61 advantageously has one or more carrying loops 54 '. As shown by the example of the loop 54 on the item of clothing 51, the chain guard 10 can alternatively be hooked with its hook 20 on the loops 54 'of the climbing harness 60 or of a carrying belt 61, so that the user has both hands for working with the motor chain saw in the tree has free.

If the hook 20 of the chain guard 10 is closed, as in the embodiment according to Fig. 7 a snap-in carabiner 53 (shown in FIG. Fig. 11 ) are used, in which the hook 20 is to be engaged.

The in FIG. 9 Climbing harness 60 shown consists essentially of a carrying belt 61 which is worn on the hip of the user and is conveniently closed like a belt. The wearing belt 61 becomes a climbing harness 60 by adding a chest strap 63 and leg straps 62 and 64 to secure the user in his working position in the tree. The carrying loops 54 'are preferably provided on the carrying belt 61; it may also be expedient not only the carrying belt 61 but additionally or alternatively the chest belt 63 or the leg straps 62 and 64 with carrying loops, carrying ropes ( Fig. 10 ) or carabiners 53 ( Fig. 11 ) to provide.

The Fig. 10 shows a cable 52 serving as a supporting device for the chain guard 10, which has a loop 57 at one end, in which the hook 20 of the chain guard 10 is mounted. For attaching the chain guard 30 with a closed bracket 31 is a carabiner 53 is particularly suitable as a supporting device, as shown in Fig. 11 is shown. Incidentally, for the same parts, the reference numerals with those of Fig. 3, 4 . 6 and 7 match.

Claims (11)

1. Chain protector for motorised chain saws (1) and carrying device for the former, wherein the chain protector (10, 30, 35) comprises a narrow housing (9, 33, 36) with two parallel side walls (17, 37, 38) joined to each other by an upper wall section (14, 47) and a lower wall section (16, 48) and is closed at a front end (13) while having an opening (12) at a rear end (11),
   characterised in that at least one device for securing the chain protector (10, 30, 35) to a carrying device (51, 52, 53) is provided on the housing (9, 33, 36), this carrying device being a garment (51) of the operator of the motorised chain saw (1) or a rope, a spring catch or the like on the garment (51), or the carrying device being a carrying harness (61) put on by the operator of the motorised chain saw (1), or the carrying device being a climbing harness (60) put on by the operator of the motorised chain saw (1).
2. Chain protector according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the device comprises at least one hook (20, 23), an integral projection (21, 24) being preferably provided on the hook (20, 23).
3. Chain protector according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the device comprises at least one eye or closed shackle (31, 32).
4. Chain protector according to any of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that the housing (9, 33, 36) and the device (20, 23, 31, 32) are made of the same plastic material and the device (20, 23, 31, 32) is integrated with the housing (9, 33, 36).
5. Chain protector according to claim 4,
   characterised in that the chain protector (10, 30, 35) is a blow moulding.
6. Chain protector according to any of claims 1 to 5,
   characterised in that inwardly directed domes (25) are provided on the side walls (17) in front of the rear end (11) of the housing (9) to form a clamping section.
7. Chain protector according to any of claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that diverging walls (22, 22*) are provided at the rear end (11) of the housing (9, 33) to form a funnel-shaped opening (12).
8. Chain protector according to any of claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that the side walls (17) comprise at least two sections (18, 18', 18") which are arranged in different planes and between which a shoulder (19, 19') is provided, and in that the distance between the side walls (17) is made different by the sections (18, 18', 18"), the distance at the outer circumference of the chain protector (10, 30) being greater than in the middle.
9. Chain protector according to any of claims 1 to 8,
   characterised in that a projection (27) or hook (50) is provided for the positive-locking engagement with a sprocket cover (8) of the motorised chain saw (1).
10. Chain protector according to claim 1,
    characterised in that the device comprises a loop or a Velcro strip.
11. Method for using a chain protector for motorised chain saws (1), wherein the chain protector (10, 30, 35) comprises a narrow housing (9, 33, 36) with two parallel side walls (17, 37, 38) joined to each other by an upper wall section (14, 47) and a lower wall section (16, 48) and is closed at a front end (13) while having an opening (12) at a rear end (11),
    characterised in that at least one device for securing the chain protector (10, 30, 35) to a carrying device (51, 52, 53) is provided on the housing (9, 33, 36), and in that the chain protector (35) is held on the carrying device (51, 52, 53) when separated from the motorised chain saw (1), this carrying device being a garment (51) of the operator of the motorised chain saw (1) or a rope, a spring catch or the like on the garment (51), or the carrying device being a carrying harness (61) put on by the operator of the motorised chain saw (1), or the carrying device being a climbing harness (60) put on by the operator of the motorised chain saw (1).

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